Remarks by the President Upon Arrival at Langley Air Force Base Hampton, Virginia

THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all very much. And thank you for your service to this great land of ours. Laura and I are thrilled to be here. I'm traveling today with members of my Cabinet -- the Secretary of State Colin Powell -- (applause) -- and Alma. She is the true general in that family. (Laughter.) The Secretary of Defense, Secretary Rumsfeld, and his bride. (Applause.) The Secretary of Energy, Secretary Abraham, and his bride. (Applause.)

We've assembled the finest national security team of any administration. We understand our job is to keep the peace. But we also understand, in order to do so our military must be well-prepared, well-trained, well-housed, and well-paid. (Applause.)

One of the first policy speeches I gave was to send the message loud and clear to the U.S. Congress that we expect there to be a pay raise for those who wear the uniform. (Applause.) But what you can expect from us is a clear mission, a clear focused mission that says our military will be trained and ready to fight and win war, and therefore, prevent war from happening in the first place. (Applause.)

We're honored to be here. Thank you for your service to America. Our country and the world is better off for it. God bless. (Applause.)